A government minister paid a visit to Strood as polling day for the election of Kent’s first police commissioner draws ever closer.

Chris Grayling, secretary of state for justice, visited English Martyrs Church Hall in Frindsbury Road along with the Conservative candidate for the role, Medway councillor Craig Mackinlay.

The pair met members of the Medway Youth Offending team and young offenders who have been refurbishing the hall so it can be used by the community.

They also chatted with volunteers at the charity Step and Learn, which helps children suffering from cerebral palsy.

Mr Grayling told the Medway Messenger the role would make policing more accountable and give people a "visible figurehead".

He added fears of low turnout for the election were just "speculation" at the moment, and urged everyone to vote, regardless of who they support.

Cllr Mackinlay, a chartered accountant and former magistrate, has previously claimed the uniforms police officers wear are too intimidating.

Mr Grayling didn’t say whether he agreed with that view, but hinted it was something that could be looked at.

He said: "It’s absolutely the job of the police commissioner to talk about the way the police present themselves to local communities."